Xeon Gold 6240 vs Xeon Gold 6242

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Xeon Gold 6240 vs Xeon Gold 6242 FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Xeon Gold 6240 vs Xeon Gold 6242: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Xeon Gold 6240

2019

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (24,918 vs 24,994).

Xeon Gold 6242

2019

Why buy it

✅+0.3% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Xeon Gold 6242 better than Xeon Gold 6240?

Yes. Xeon Gold 6242 is the better all-around CPU here. It gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data and 0.3% better PassMark, which is enough to make it the stronger overall pick.

Which one is better for gaming?

For gaming, this matchup is basically a tie in the data we have.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Xeon Gold 6242 is the stronger fit. You are getting 0.3% better PassMark, backed by 16 cores and 32 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Xeon Gold 6242 still makes the most sense overall. Xeon Gold 6242 comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you a 0.1% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Xeon Gold 6242 is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Xeon Gold 6240 vs Xeon Gold 6242 Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Xeon Gold 6240

The Xeon Gold 6240 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 18 cores and 36 threads. Base frequency is 2.6 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 24.75 MB. L2 cache: 18 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 24,918 points. Launch price was $2,445.

Xeon Gold 6242

The Xeon Gold 6242 is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 2 April 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.8 GHz, with boost up to 3.9 GHz. L3 cache: 22 MB. L2 cache: 16 MB. Built on 14 nm process technology. Socket: LGA3647. Thermal design power (TDP): 150 Watt. Memory support: DDR4-2933. Passmark benchmark score: 24,994 points. Launch price was $2,529.

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Processing Power

The Xeon Gold 6240 packs 18 cores / 36 threads, while the Xeon Gold 6242 offers 16 cores / 32 threads — the Xeon Gold 6240 has 2 more cores. Boost clocks reach 3.9 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6240 versus 3.9 GHz on the Xeon Gold 6242 — identical boost frequencies (base: 2.6 GHz vs 2.8 GHz). Both are built on the Cascade Lake (2019−2020) architecture using a 14 nm process. In PassMark, the Xeon Gold 6240 scores 24,918 against the Xeon Gold 6242's 24,994 — a 0.3% lead for the Xeon Gold 6242. L3 cache: 24.75 MB on the Xeon Gold 6240 vs 22 MB on the Xeon Gold 6242.

Feature	Xeon Gold 6240	Xeon Gold 6242
Cores / Threads	18 / 36+13%	16 / 32
Boost Clock	3.9 GHz	3.9 GHz
Base Clock	2.6 GHz	2.8 GHz+8%
L3 Cache	24.75 MB+13%	22 MB
L2 Cache	18 MB+13%	16 MB
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Architecture	Cascade Lake (2019−2020)	Cascade Lake (2019−2020)
PassMark	24,918	24,994